Switzerland meet Spain in a tasty Quarter-Final clash at Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia, as both teams look to secure a spot in the Semi-Finals of Euro 2020.
Switzerland qualified for this stage with a dramatic penalty shootout win over France following a 3-3 draw on Monday evening, just hours after Spain secured their place in this tie with a epic 5-3 winning thriller against Croatia.
The winner of this tie will take on the winner of Belgium’s Quarter-Final tie against Italy in the opening semi-final on Tuesday 6 July 2021.
Team News
Granit Xhaka is suspended for Switzerland after collecting his second booking of the tournament in Monday’s shock penalty shootout victory over France.
Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Breel Embolo, Mario Gavranovic, Kevin Mbabu, Ricardo Rodriguez and Fabian Schar are all just one booking away from missing the semi-finals, so Vladimir Petkovic could opt to rest some players.
Spain have no injury or suspension concerns to report but Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Pau Torres and Rodri are all at risk of being suspended for the semi-finals, in the event that any of the quartet collects a second booking.
Stat Attack
- This is Switzerland’s first-ever meeting against Spain at the Euros, although they have previously won just one of 22 previous meetings in all competitions (W1, D5, L16)
- Switzerland are unbeaten in three of their last four clashes against Spain in all competitions (W1. D2. L1), with both teams winning 1-0 apiece either side of 1-1 draws.
- Spain have kept just two clean sheets in their last five ‘away’ matches against Switzerland (W3, D2).
- Two of Haris Seferovic’s three goals for Switzerland in this tournament have been scored from headers.
- Two of Alvaro Morata’s 14 shots in four Euro 2020 matches have been blocked.
Prediction
Having needed penalties to edge their way past France in the tournament’s biggest cupset yet, fitness will now be Switzerland’s biggest challenge because they do have the game to really trouble Spain if they can get on the front foot early and score first then defend well throughout.
Having made a slow start to the tournament, Spain have definitely clicked in their last two matches, although Croatia’s versatile adaptable attacking game exposed serious defensive issues in Spain’s game when making backpasses or just defending in general.
On that note, I can see another tight but entertainingly competitive contest but Switzerland don’t boast the best of records against Spain, which could be a physiological disadvantage on top of any fatigue but Luis Enrique’s Spaniards must improve defensively yet should have enough for the win.
Prediction: Switzerland 1-2 Spain
Result: Switzerland 1-1 Spain (Spain win 3-1 on penalties!!)